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The beginning in the end, part II

Here's an update on the ending I'm experiencing due to the recent loss of my job with the church. On Friday, January 8th, I interviewed with a local community college for a position with one of their distance education campuses. The following Wednesday, I got a call back asking me to attend a second interview. I did, and was offered the job. What's more, I found that my level of experience and education put me at a salary level similar to the job that is ending. The benefits are much better, and there is the added bonus of not having to worry about whether my position will continue to be funded. For the past six years at the church, and for the almost-eight years before that at the mission, there was the almost daily worry of whether the money would hold out.

I know that the job market is tough and has been for a long time now. I know that there are lots of folks out there who have been searching for months and cannot find employment that meets their financial needs. I know that I am beyond lucky to have found something so quickly, and such a good match for my skills and my goals for the future.

I am not boasting - on a very basic level, I saw a job opening, I applied, and my abilities were a match for the position. On a level above that, I have worked to keep a positive attitude in the face of upheaval, and that is something that my life has taught me. Living with RA has shown me how much better things are when I stay positive. And then, there's a level above that, where things are beyond my comprehension; where prayer avails much and merit is meaningless. It is important to me to say that there were many beloved people praying for me - friends, family, and even folks I've never met. I'm thankful to those who prayed, thankful that I've learned how to practice gratitude even in adversity, but mostly, I'm thankful that God was with me throughout. I know that God's presence made a difference; I felt no fear, no deep worry, no despair. Instead, there was peaceful assurance that things would be okay, or perhaps that I would be okay, no matter how things turned out.

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Comments

Amy, this is wonderful. You did an outstanding job at the church and I know you will succeed and move into higher things at the community college. My love and prayers are with you as you transition into this new wonderful position.

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